This week · Week 6
The Vikings: Raiders, Traders, Settlers
We start with the raid on Lindisfarne in 793 and work out why a few boatloads of Norse farmers ended up reshaping half of Europe. Bring your notebooks — we're mapping the routes together on Wednesday.
- Monday: Who were the Vikings? Sources, sagas, and why "Viking" is a job, not a nationality.
- Wednesday: Longships and navigation — map work in pairs. Bring coloured pencils.
- Friday: Settling down: Dublin, York, and the Danelaw. Short in-class writing at the end.
Homework & Due Dates
Submit in class or to the tray by the door.
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Wed
Apr 16Reading response: "The Raid on Lindisfarne" Handout pages 2–4. One paragraph: what does the writer want us to feel, and how can you tell? -
Fri
Apr 18Map of Norse routes Label at least eight places from the list on the board and draw two voyage arrows. Neatness counts a little. -
Mon
Apr 21Source comparison worksheet Two short sources, four questions. We'll go over it together on Monday. -
Fri
Apr 25Viking settlement paragraph (draft) Rough draft only — we'll peer-review it in class before the final version.
Unit Exam
Thursday, May 8
In class, full period. Covers the whole Vikings unit: sources, geography, and one short essay.
Bring a pen and a pencil. A one-page handwritten note sheet is allowed — I'll explain the rules the week before.
How to Reach Ms. Holm
Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30–1:15, or just knock before school. Email is fastest if you need an answer the same day.
Reading List
All titles are on the class shelf in Room 214.
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A Brief History of the Norse World Required
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Sagas and Sailors: Voices from the North Required
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The Longship: How They Built It Optional
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Everyday Life in the Danelaw Optional
Useful Videos
Watch on your own time — none are required.
- Lindisfarne, 793: What Actually Happened
- Building a Longship, Step by Step
- Reading a Saga as a Historian
These are placeholder links for the demo page. In the real class page, each title opens the video in a new tab.